European Port Outlook

Date: November 27, 2025

European port congestion remains a challenge this week, especially at major Northern-European hubs where yard utilisation and vessel delays continue to affect cargo flows

Over the coming month, congestion at Northern European ports is expected to persist, with Rotterdam and Antwerp remaining the most critical points. Yard utilisation is likely to stay high (80–90% at the busiest terminals), while Hamburg and Bremerhaven may see moderate pressure (70–85%). Delays in vessel berthing, container handling, and inland transport are possible, and the risk of cargo rollovers remains elevated at the busiest hubs. Seasonal cargo peaks, weather events, and diverted volumes could exacerbate congestion. Planning ahead, confirming bookings early, and considering alternative ports or feeder services will be key to keeping shipments on track.

Current Situation

PORT	CONGESTION LEVEL	NOTES
Antwerp	🔴 High	Critical terminals 85–90% yard utilisation, risk of skipped calls/rollovers
Rotterdam	🔴 High	Yard ~80–85%, absorbing diverted cargo, berth waiting times possible
Hamburg	🟠 Medium	Yard 70–75%, moderate delays, inland transport pressure
Bremerhaven	🟠 Medium	Yard 80–85%, transshipment flows, moderate dwell times
Other Northern Ports	🟡 Low–Medium	Potential overflow capacity, but rising utilisation possible

Managing European Port Congestion

• Expect possible delays and longer container dwell times.
• Consider alternative ports or feeder services to reduce risk.
• Confirm bookings and schedules with carriers early.
• Communicate with Future Forwarding to adjust plans proactively.

European port congestion is likely to persist in the near term. Proactive planning and close monitoring of yard utilization and vessel schedules are key to minimizing disruptions and maintaining a smooth supply chain.